Secret Owl Garden for Pembrokeshire

A new family attraction has opened in Pembrokeshire ready to welcome visitors for the summer holidays.

The Secret Owl Garden has been open in Picton Castle since May and has had support through funding from Visit Wales’ Tourism Investment Support Scheme.

The new attraction gives visitors a chance to see and meet with over 25 different species of owls in their new aviaries around the woodland garden; watch interactive sessions and go on a treasure trail to identify owls.

The Secret Owl Garden was founded by Alex and Emma Hill, as they saw a gap in the market and could offer something different to what was already on offer in the area. Emma Hill, said:

"We created The Secret Owl Garden because people are always telling us just how much they love owls, so we wanted to give them the opportunity to learn more about them."

During the school holidays, the team run interactive sessions where children can take part in activities to learn more about the owls. This will include arts and crafts (make your own owl mask), dissecting owl pellets, learning about different bird feathers and silent flight etc.

The team currently run private experiences where visitors are able to have a hands on experience calling owls down from the trees to their gloved hand around the gardens. By booking them privately the experience is fully tailored to the group or family and even includes a set of photos!

In the future there will also be opportunities to take courses in owl care and management. The business will run these course through the year to develop existing falconer’s skills and introduce the next generation to the highest standards of care.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, said:

“I’d like to congratulate Emma and Alex for seeing that they could offer something different in Pembrokeshire, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the growth of the business and wish them well with their first summer season and for the future.”